Classic Kerala

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the fertile hills of the Western Ghats, Kerala has with good reason been christened “God’s Own Country”. A land of beaches and backwaters, lush tea plantations and spices, it enjoys a cultural heritage that can trace its influences back to Chinese, Arab and European traders. The journey begins in historic Cochin, “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”, where you’ll have a chance to enjoy its rich mix of Indian and European traditions ...

Read More

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE COCHIN

Day 1 ARRIVE COCHIN

On arrival in Cochin you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel to freshen up. This evening you will then get the chance to enjoy a remarkable performance of Kerala's famous Kathakali dancing. With origins in the 17th century, Kathakali is a highly stylised classical dance characterised by its bright costumes and the heavily painted faces of the performers, giving an insight into the ancient stories and heritage of South India.

Old Harbour

Day 2 COCHIN

Day 2 COCHIN

This morning you will be taken to a local chef’s home where you will learn how to cook a traditional Keralan meal before enjoying the meal with your host in her dining room. Explore the local market and learn about the different ingredients and enjoy a true culinary adventure with one of Cochin’s top experts. After your delicious lunch, you can enjoy a tour of the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. The oldest European settlement in India, Cochin is a vibrant mix of Arab, Chinese, European and Indian influences and home to the oldest church and the oldest synagogue in the country. Make sure to also visit Mattancherry Palace, also know as the Dutch Palace, a fine example of Keralan architecture fused with colonial influences.

Old Harbour
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 COCHIN - MUNNAR

Day 3 COCHIN - MUNNAR

Today you leave the coast behind and head into the lush hills of the Western Ghats and the hill-town resort of Munnar. Strategically located at the confluence of three rivers, the town sits high amongst the cool highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and the mist shrouded hills of the Western Ghats.

Windermere Hotel
Breakfast

Day 4 MUNNAR

Day 4 MUNNAR

Today you will explore on foot through the beautiful Letchmi hills. Your walk will bring you through tea plantations, patches of Shola forest and grasslands as well as treating you to views of Idukki Dam, the highest arch dam in Asia, and Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India. Look out for exotic species and endemic birds of the Western Ghats, part of one of the world’s Biodiversity hotspots and enjoy a picturesque picnic along the way. Drive back to Munnar with the option of visiting a tea museum or the Srishti employment project.

Windermere Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 MUNNAR - THEKKADY

Day 5 MUNNAR - THEKKADY

After breakfast you will travel to Thekkady, home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a community-based ecotourism project which aims to protect the rare flora and fauna of the region as well as providing a living for the residents of the area.  

Spice Village
Breakfast

Day 6 THEKKADY

Day 6 THEKKADY

The morning will be spent in Periyar Nature Reserve, hiking and bamboo rafting through some of the wilder forest of the reserve. Animals such as tigers, elephants, sambar, giant squirrels and Nilgiri langur may be spotted, as well as native tribes people fishing or swimming. Periyar Nature Reserve is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists alike, with its rich fauna and vast open land, a wonderful place to experience some of southern India’s wildlife. In the early evening you can also enjoy a birdwatching walk led by a specialist naturalist guide.

Spice Village
Breakfast

Day 7 THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY - BACKWATERS

Day 7 THEKKADY - ALLEPPEY - BACKWATERS

Heading back onto the alluvial plains that lie between the Western Ghats and the Indian Ocean, this morning you will journey by road to the town of Alleppey. Here you will board your private houseboat for an exploration of the remarkable Keralan Backwaters, the ideal way to observe life amongst the channels and waterways of the west coast.

Xandari Houseboat
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 BACKWATERS - ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM

Day 8 BACKWATERS - ALLEPPEY - KOVALAM

Disembarking this morning you will travel by road to Kovalam, a journey of approximately 4 hours, passing through a multitude of small colourful towns. Arrive to your beach escape in Kovalam and enjoy the delights of the Arabian Sea coast.

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
Breakfast

Day 9 KOVALAM

Day 9 KOVALAM

Today is free to relax or explore at leisure, enjoying the sandy beaches and warm waters of Kovalam. Kovalam, which translates as 'Grove of Coconut Trees', is home to stunning beaches framed by sweeping coconut trees and idyllic sunsets, the perfect setting for your journey’s end.  

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra
Breakfast

Day 10 DEPART KOVALAM

Day 10 DEPART KOVALAM

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.  

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

10 days from £2,280

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 10200 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

India rewards the traveller with its rich variety of unforgettable experiences, diversity of culture, stunning wealth of architecture, varied landscapes, delicious cuisines, fine textiles and crafts, colourful festivals, and wild places teeming with wildlife.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA